CN215083481U

CN215083481U - Single needle sequential injection system

Info

Publication number: CN215083481U
Application number: CN202120756119.7U
Authority: CN
Inventors: S·C·约翰逊; E·A·希勒斯海姆; D·奥特
Original assignee: Nova Science And Technology Engineering Co ltd
Current assignee: Nova Science And Technology Engineering Co ltd; Nova Tech Engineering Inc
Priority date: 2020-04-14
Filing date: 2021-04-12
Publication date: 2021-12-10
Anticipated expiration: 2031-04-12
Also published as: WO2021211403A1; CN113521447A

Abstract

The single needle sequential injection system described herein enables two or more different liquids to be sequentially delivered through a single lumen in a single needle.

Description

Single needle sequential injection system

Technical Field

Described herein are single needle sequential injection systems for sequentially delivering two or more different liquids through a single lumen needle.

Background

Due to the limitations of liquid delivery devices, injecting liquid through a needle having a lumen is generally limited to delivering one liquid through the needle. Systems developed for delivering two or more different liquids through a needle typically employ a different needle head for each liquid to be delivered. Some examples of such systems may be described, for example, in international publication WO2018/204572(Eid et al) and us patent 4,758,227(Lancaster, jr. et al).

SUMMERY OF THE UTILITY MODEL

The single needle sequential injection systems and methods described herein are used to sequentially deliver two or more different liquids through a single lumen in a single needle.

Sequential injection of two or more different liquids through a single lumen needle may be useful in: of these, it is preferred to use only one needle to inject two different liquids through a single lumen within the needle. In the case of different liquids delivered to animals (including humans) by subcutaneous (or other) needle-based injection, delivery of two liquids with significantly different properties may require delivery of these liquids at different pressures, temperatures, etc. Delivering different liquids at different pressures, temperatures, etc. may ensure, for example, that the proper volume of liquid is delivered, improve delivery efficiency, etc.

Different liquids delivered using the single needle sequential injection system described herein may have different properties, such as viscosity, density, different carrier liquids (e.g., oil-based versus water-based carriers), and the like. These different properties may or may not result in liquids that are immiscible with each other. Liquids having different properties and/or being immiscible in each other may enhance the ability of the single needle sequential injection system described herein to deliver discrete doses of different liquids.

In contrast to systems/methods that use two or more different needles to deliver two or more different liquids, it may be desirable to use a single needle to deliver two or more different liquids because only one injection site is created/used. In the case of delivering a liquid to an animal, any potential bleeding or other tissue damage associated with the use of multiple needles may be avoided using the single needle sequential injection systems and methods described herein.

It may be desirable to use a single needle having only a single lumen because the needle may be smaller in size than a needle incorporating two or more different lumens. Smaller needles may reduce the size of the opening formed during the injection process. In the case of delivering a liquid to an animal, any potential bleeding or other tissue damage associated with the use of multiple needles may be avoided using the single needle sequential injection systems and methods described herein.

In a first aspect, one or more embodiments of a single needle sequential injection system as described herein comprise: a needle carriage configured to move between a retracted position and an injection position; an injection needle attached to the outlet port, the injection needle comprising a lumen in fluid communication with the outlet port, the lumen terminating in a needle opening distal to the outlet port; a needle carriage actuator operably connected to the needle carriage, the needle carriage actuator configured to move the needle carriage between a retracted position and an injection position; a first liquid delivery device in liquid communication with the first inlet port, the first liquid delivery device comprising a first liquid delivery actuator configured to deliver a first liquid to the first inlet port at a first liquid pressure; a second fluid delivery device in fluid communication with the second inlet port, the second fluid delivery device comprising a second fluid delivery actuator configured to deliver a second fluid to the first inlet port at a second fluid pressure, wherein the second fluid pressure is independent of the first fluid pressure; and a controller operatively connected to the needle carriage actuator, the first fluid delivery actuator, and the second fluid delivery actuator. The needle frame includes: a delivery chamber defined in the needle rack, the delivery chamber including an outlet port, a first branch port, and a second branch port, wherein the first branch port, the second branch port, and the outlet port are in fluid communication with one another through the delivery chamber; a first flow restrictor in liquid communication with the first branch port, the first flow restrictor preventing liquid from flowing out of the delivery chamber through the first branch port; a first inlet port in liquid communication with the first flow restrictor such that liquid entering the first inlet port flows through the first flow restrictor before reaching the first branch port; a second flow restrictor in liquid communication with the second branch port, the second flow restrictor preventing liquid from flowing out of the delivery chamber through the second branch port; and a second inlet port in liquid communication with the second flow restrictor such that liquid entering the second inlet port flows through the second flow restrictor before reaching the second branch port. The controller may be configured to: operating the needle carriage actuator to move the needle carriage from the retracted position to the injection position; after operating the needle carriage actuator to move the needle carriage from the retracted position to the injection position, operating the first fluid delivery actuator to deliver the first dose of the first fluid to the first inlet port, wherein the first dose of the first fluid enters the injection needle through the outlet port; and after operating the first fluid delivery actuator to deliver the first dose of the first fluid to the first inlet port, operating the second fluid delivery actuator to deliver the first dose of the second fluid to the second inlet port, wherein the first dose of the second fluid enters the injection needle through the outlet port after the first dose of the first fluid.

In one or more embodiments, the first dose of the first fluid comprises a first dose volume equal to or greater than a needle lumen volume, wherein the needle lumen volume is a volume of the lumen in the needle measured from the junction of the outlet port and the lumen to the needle opening distal to the outlet port.

In one or more embodiments, the first dose of the first liquid comprises a first dose volume equal to or greater than 2,4, 6, 8, or even 10 times the volume of the needle lumen, wherein the needle lumen volume is the volume of the lumen in the needle measured from the junction of the outlet port and the lumen to the needle opening distal to the outlet port.

In one or more embodiments, the delivery chamber includes a first branch, a second branch, and a delivery branch, wherein the first branch, the second branch, and the delivery branch meet at a junction, wherein the first branch extends from the first branch port to the junction, the second branch extends from the second branch port to the junction, the delivery branch extends from the junction to the outlet port, the first branch includes a first branch volume, the second branch includes a second branch volume, the delivery branch includes the delivery branch volume, and the lumen in the needle includes a needle lumen volume measured from the junction of the outlet port and the lumen to a needle opening distal from the outlet port.

In one or more embodiments, the first branch volume is greater than the delivery branch volume.

In one or more embodiments, the first branch volume is greater than the sum of the delivery branch volume and the syringe cavity volume.

In one or more embodiments, the second branch volume is greater than the delivery branch volume.

In one or more embodiments, the first dose of the first fluid comprises a first fluid dose volume that is equal to or greater than the sum of the first branch volume and the delivery branch volume.

In one or more embodiments, the first dose of the second fluid comprises a second fluid dose volume that is equal to or greater than the sum of the second branch volume and the delivery branch volume.

In one or more embodiments, the first dose of the first fluid comprises a first fluid dose volume equal to or greater than the first branch volume, and optionally at least 2 times, at least 4 times, at least 6 times, at least 8 times, or at least 10 times the first branch volume.

In one or more embodiments, the first dose of the second fluid comprises a second fluid dose volume that is equal to or greater than the second branch volume, and optionally at least 2 times, at least 4 times, at least 6 times, at least 8 times, or at least 10 times the second branch volume.

In one or more embodiments, the first liquid flows into the junction along a first flow axis and the second liquid flows into the junction along a second flow axis, wherein the first flow axis and the second flow axis intersect to form an angle of less than 90 degrees, 80 degrees or less, 70 degrees or less, 60 degrees or less, or 50 degrees or less in the junction.

In one or more embodiments, the first flow restrictor comprises a check valve, and optionally wherein the second flow restrictor comprises a check valve.

In one or more embodiments, the first liquid delivery actuator comprises a first piston pump, and wherein the first liquid delivery device comprises a first piston driver configured to drive a piston of the first piston pump, wherein driving the piston of the first piston pump delivers the first liquid from a piston chamber of the first piston pump to the first inlet port at a first liquid pressure, and optionally wherein the second liquid delivery actuator comprises a second piston pump, and wherein the second liquid delivery device comprises a second piston driver configured to drive a piston of the second piston pump, wherein driving the piston of the second piston pump delivers the second liquid from the piston chamber of the second piston pump to the second inlet port at a second liquid pressure.

In one or more embodiments, the first piston driver is driven using a first pneumatic source and the second piston driver is driven using a second pneumatic source, wherein the pressure of the first pneumatic source is independent of the pressure of the second pneumatic source.

In one or more embodiments, the first liquid delivery device comprises a first liquid source and the second liquid delivery device comprises a second liquid source, wherein optionally the first liquid and the second liquid have at least one of the following different properties: the first liquid is immiscible in the second liquid at 20 degrees celsius and atmospheric pressure of 1013 mbar; the first liquid has a higher viscosity than the second liquid; the density of the first liquid is less than the density of the second liquid; a majority by volume of the first liquid comprises mineral oil and a majority by volume of the second liquid comprises water. In a second aspect, one or more embodiments of a single needle sequential injection system as described herein comprises: a delivery chamber comprising an outlet port, a first branch port, and a second branch port, wherein the first branch port, the second branch port, and the outlet port are in fluid communication with one another through the delivery chamber; a first flow restrictor in liquid communication with the first branch port, the first flow restrictor preventing liquid from flowing out of the delivery chamber through the first branch port; a first inlet port in liquid communication with the first flow restrictor such that liquid entering the first inlet port flows through the first flow restrictor before reaching the first branch port; a second flow restrictor in liquid communication with the second branch port, the second flow restrictor preventing liquid from flowing out of the delivery chamber through the second branch port; a second inlet port in liquid communication with the second flow restrictor such that liquid entering the second inlet port flows through the second flow restrictor before reaching the second branch port; an injection needle attached to the outlet port, the injection needle comprising a lumen in fluid communication with the outlet port, the lumen terminating in a needle opening distal to the outlet port; a first liquid delivery device in liquid communication with the first inlet port, the first liquid delivery device comprising a first liquid delivery actuator configured to deliver a first liquid to the first inlet port at a first liquid pressure; a second fluid delivery device in fluid communication with the second inlet port, the second fluid delivery device comprising a second fluid delivery actuator configured to deliver a second fluid to the first inlet port at a second fluid pressure, wherein the second fluid pressure is independent of the first fluid pressure; and a controller operably connected to the first and second liquid delivery actuators, the controller may be configured to: operating a first fluid delivery actuator to deliver a first dose of a first fluid to a first inlet port, wherein the first dose of the first fluid enters the injection needle through the outlet port; and after operating the first fluid delivery actuator to deliver the first dose of the first fluid to the first inlet port, operating the second delivery actuator to deliver the first dose of the second fluid to the second inlet port, wherein the first dose of the second fluid enters the injection needle through the outlet port after the first dose of the first fluid.

In one or more embodiments of the single needle sequential injection systems described herein, the first dose of the first fluid comprises a first dose volume equal to or greater than a needle lumen volume, wherein the needle lumen volume is a volume of a lumen in the needle measured from an interface of the outlet port with the lumen to a needle opening distal to the outlet port. Providing a dosage volume that is greater than the needle lumen volume may improve the ability of a single needle sequential injection system to sequentially deliver discrete doses of different liquids, since, for example, during delivery of a dosage of a selected liquid, the liquid in the dosage volume will replace all of the liquid in the needle lumen.

In one or more embodiments of the single needle sequential injection systems described herein, the first dose of the first liquid comprises a first dose volume equal to or greater than 2,4, 6, 8, or even 10 times a volume of a needle lumen, wherein the needle lumen volume is a volume of the lumen in the needle measured from the junction of the outlet port and the lumen to the needle opening distal to the outlet port. Providing a dosage volume that is significantly larger than the needle lumen volume may further enhance the ability of a single needle sequential injection system to sequentially deliver discrete doses of different liquids, as the liquid in the dosage volume will replace all of the liquid in the needle lumen, for example, during delivery of a dose of the selected liquid.

In one or more embodiments of the single needle sequential injection systems described herein, the delivery chamber comprises a first branch, a second branch, and a delivery branch, wherein the first branch, the second branch, and the delivery branch meet at a junction, wherein the first branch extends from the first branch port to the junction, the second branch extends from the second branch port to the junction, the delivery branch extends from the junction to the outlet port, the first branch comprises a first branch volume, the second branch comprises a second branch volume, the delivery branch comprises a delivery branch volume, and the lumen in the needle comprises a needle cavity volume measured from the junction of the outlet port and the lumen to the needle opening distal to the outlet port.

In one or more embodiments of the single needle sequential injection system, the single needle sequential injection system comprises a delivery chamber comprising a first branch, a second branch, and a delivery branch meeting at a junction, the first branch volume being greater than the delivery branch volume. Providing a first branch volume that is greater than the delivery branch volume may improve the ability of a single needle sequential injection system to sequentially deliver discrete doses of different liquids, as all of the liquid in the delivery branch will be replaced by the liquid in the first branch during delivery through the first branch.

In one or more embodiments of the single needle sequential injection system, the single needle sequential injection system comprises a delivery chamber comprising a first branch, a second branch, and a delivery branch meeting at a junction, the first branch volume being greater than a sum of the delivery branch volume and the syringe cavity volume. Providing a first branch volume that is greater than the sum of the delivery branch volume and the needle lumen volume may improve the ability of a single needle sequential injection system to sequentially deliver discrete doses of different fluids because all of the fluid in the delivery branch and the needle lumen will be replaced by fluid from the first branch during delivery through the first branch.

In one or more embodiments of the single needle sequential injection system, the single needle sequential injection system comprises a delivery chamber comprising a first branch, a second branch, and a delivery branch meeting at a junction, the second branch volume being greater than the delivery branch volume. Providing a second branch volume that is greater than the delivery branch volume may improve the ability of a single needle sequential injection system to sequentially deliver discrete doses of different liquids, as all of the liquid in the delivery branch will be replaced by the liquid in the second branch during delivery through the second branch.

In one or more embodiments, the first dose of the first fluid comprises a first fluid dose volume that is equal to or greater than the sum of the first branch volume and the delivery branch volume. Providing a first liquid dose volume that is greater than the sum of the first branch volume and the delivery branch volume may improve the ability of a single needle sequential injection system to sequentially deliver discrete doses of different liquids, as all of the liquid in the first branch and delivery branch will be replaced by liquid from the first dose.

In one or more embodiments, the first dose of the second fluid comprises a second fluid dose volume that is equal to or greater than the sum of the second branch volume and the delivery branch volume. In one or more embodiments of the single needle sequential injection system, the single needle sequential injection system comprises a delivery chamber comprising a first branch, a second branch, and a delivery branch that meet at a junction, the first dose of the first fluid comprising a first fluid dose volume that is equal to or greater than the first branch volume, and optionally at least 2 times, at least 4 times, at least 6 times, at least 8 times, or at least 10 times the first branch volume. Providing a first liquid dose volume that is significantly greater than the sum of the first branch volume and the delivery branch volume may further enhance the ability of a single needle sequential injection system to sequentially deliver discrete doses of different liquids, as all of the liquid in the first branch and the delivery branch will be replaced by liquid from the first dose.

In one or more embodiments of the single needle sequential injection system, the single needle sequential injection system comprises a delivery chamber comprising a first branch, a second branch, and a delivery branch that meet at a junction, a first liquid flowing into the junction along a first flow axis, a second liquid flowing into the junction along a second flow axis, wherein the first flow axis and the second flow axis intersect in the junction to form a V-shape having an angle of less than 90 degrees, 80 degrees or less, 70 degrees or less, 60 degrees or less, or 50 degrees or less. In one or more embodiments, limiting the angle formed by the first flow axis and the second flow axis may limit undesired or undesirable mixing of fluids delivered to the junction along different branches.

In one or more embodiments of the single needle sequential injection systems described herein, the first liquid delivery device comprises a first liquid source and the second liquid delivery device comprises a second liquid source, wherein optionally the first liquid and the second liquid have at least one of the following different properties: the first liquid is immiscible in the second liquid at 20 degrees celsius and atmospheric pressure of 1013 mbar; the first liquid has a higher viscosity than the second liquid; the density of the first liquid is less than the density of the second liquid; the majority (by volume) of the first liquid comprises mineral oil and the majority (by volume) of the second liquid comprises water. Liquids having different properties and/or being immiscible in each other may enhance the ability of the single needle sequential injection system described herein to deliver discrete doses of different liquids. In a third aspect, one or more embodiments of a method of delivering a first liquid and a second liquid through a single lumen injection needle comprise: delivering a first dose of a first liquid at a first liquid pressure to a first branch port of a delivery chamber, wherein the delivery chamber comprises a second branch port and an outlet port, wherein the first branch port, the second branch port, and the outlet port are in fluid communication with one another through the delivery chamber; delivering the first dose of the second fluid to the second branch port of the delivery chamber at the second fluid pressure after delivering the first dose of the first fluid to the first branch port of the delivery chamber; delivering a second dose of the first fluid to the first branch port of the delivery chamber at the first fluid pressure after delivering the first dose of the second fluid to the second branch port of the delivery chamber; and after delivering the second dose of the first liquid to the first branch port of the delivery chamber, delivering the second dose of the second liquid to the second branch port of the delivery chamber at a second liquid pressure; wherein a first dose of a first liquid is delivered to a single lumen of an injection needle in liquid communication with an outlet port of a delivery chamber; wherein after the first liquid is delivered to the single lumen, at least a portion of the first dose of the second liquid is delivered to the single lumen of the injection needle in liquid communication with the outlet port of the delivery chamber such that at least a portion of the first dose of the first liquid is forced out of the single lumen through the needle opening distal from the outlet port of the delivery chamber.

In one or more embodiments of the methods described herein, the first liquid pressure is independent of the second liquid pressure.

In one or more embodiments of the methods described herein, the first liquid pressure is different than the second liquid pressure.

In a fourth aspect, one or more embodiments of a single needle sequential injection system comprise: a needle carriage configured to move between a retracted position and an injection position. The needle frame includes: a delivery chamber defined in the needle rack, the delivery chamber including an outlet port, a first branch port, and a second branch port, wherein the first branch port, the second branch port, and the outlet port are in fluid communication with one another through the delivery chamber; a first flow restrictor in liquid communication with the first branch port, the first flow restrictor preventing liquid from flowing out of the delivery chamber through the first branch port; a first inlet port in liquid communication with the first flow restrictor such that liquid entering the first inlet port flows through the first flow restrictor before reaching the first branch port; a second flow restrictor in liquid communication with the second branch port, the second flow restrictor preventing liquid from flowing out of the delivery chamber through the second branch port; and a second inlet port in liquid communication with the second flow restrictor such that liquid entering the second inlet port flows through the second flow restrictor before reaching the second branch port. The system further comprises: an injection needle attached to the outlet port, the injection needle comprising a single lumen in fluid communication with the outlet port, the single lumen terminating in a needle opening distal to the outlet port; a needle carriage actuator operably connected to the needle carriage, the needle carriage actuator configured to move the needle carriage between a retracted position and an injection position; a first liquid delivery device in liquid communication with the first inlet port, the first liquid delivery device comprising a first liquid delivery actuator configured to deliver a first liquid to the first inlet port at a first liquid pressure; and a second liquid delivery device in liquid communication with the second inlet port, the second liquid delivery device comprising a second liquid delivery actuator configured to deliver a second liquid to the first inlet port at a second liquid pressure, wherein the second liquid pressure is independent of the first liquid pressure.

In one or more embodiments, the dose of the first liquid comprises a first liquid dose volume equal to or greater than a needle lumen volume, wherein the needle lumen volume is a volume of a lumen in the single lumen needle measured from a junction of the outlet port and the lumen to a needle opening distal to the outlet port.

In one or more embodiments, the dose of the first liquid comprises a first liquid dose volume equal to or greater than 2,4, 6, 8, or even 10 times a needle lumen volume, wherein the needle lumen volume is a volume of a lumen in a single lumen needle measured from a junction of the outlet port and the lumen to a needle opening distal to the outlet port.

In one or more embodiments, the delivery chamber includes a first branch, a second branch, and a delivery branch, wherein the first branch, the second branch, and the delivery branch meet at a junction, wherein the first branch extends from the first branch port to the junction, the second branch extends from the second branch port to the junction, the delivery branch extends from the junction to the outlet port, wherein the first branch includes a first branch volume, the second branch includes a second branch volume, the delivery branch includes a delivery branch volume, and the lumen in the single lumen needle includes a needle cavity volume measured from the junction of the outlet port and the lumen to a needle opening distal from the outlet port.

In one or more embodiments, the first branch volume is greater than the sum of the delivery branch volume and the needle lumen volume.

In one or more embodiments, the second branch volume is greater than the sum of the delivery branch volume and the needle lumen volume.

In one or more embodiments, the first flow restrictor comprises a check valve and, optionally, the second flow restrictor comprises a check valve.

In one or more embodiments, the first liquid delivery actuator comprises a first piston pump, and wherein the first liquid delivery device comprises a first piston driver configured to drive a piston of the first piston pump, wherein driving the piston of the first piston pump delivers the first liquid from a piston chamber of the first piston pump to the first inlet port at the first liquid pressure.

In one or more embodiments, the second liquid delivery actuator comprises a second piston pump, and wherein the second liquid delivery device comprises a second piston driver configured to drive a piston of the second piston pump, wherein driving the piston of the second piston pump delivers the second liquid from a piston chamber of the second piston pump to the second inlet port at the second liquid pressure.

In one or more embodiments, the first liquid delivery device comprises a first liquid source and the second liquid delivery device comprises a second liquid source, wherein optionally the first liquid and the second liquid have at least one of the following different properties: the first liquid is immiscible in the second liquid at 20 degrees celsius and atmospheric pressure of 1013 mbar; the first liquid has a higher viscosity than the second liquid; the density of the first liquid is less than the density of the second liquid; a majority by volume of the first liquid comprises mineral oil and a majority by volume of the second liquid comprises water.

As used herein, relational terms, such as above … … (above), below … … (below), top (top), bottom (bottom), and the like (unless otherwise specified in the description and/or the claims) are used solely to facilitate describing the various features of the systems and methods described herein and should not be construed as requiring any particular orientation of the systems and/or methods described herein.

As used herein, the term "predominantly" has the same meaning as "apparently" and can be understood as modifying the subsequent terms by at least about 75%, at least about 90%, at least about 95%, or at least about 98%. As used herein, the term "insignificant" has the same meaning as "insignificant" and can be understood to have the opposite meaning to "significant", i.e., the subsequent terms are modified by no more than 25%, no more than 10%, no more than 5%, or no more than 2%.

As expected by one skilled in the art, numerical values used herein include normal variations in measurement and should be understood to have the same meaning as "about" and cover typical margins of error, such as ± 5% of the stated value.

Terms such as "a" and "the" are not intended to refer to only a singular entity, but include its general class, particular examples of which may be used for illustration.

The terms "a" and "the" are used interchangeably with the term "at least one". The phrases "at least one of" and "including at least one of," which are followed by a recited item, refer to any one of the recited item, as well as any combination of two or more of the recited item.

As used herein, the term "or" is generally employed in its ordinary sense, including "and/or," unless the content clearly dictates otherwise. The term "and/or" refers to one or all of the listed elements, or a combination of any two or more of the listed elements.

The recitation of numerical ranges by endpoints includes all numbers subsumed within that range (e.g. 1 to 5 includes 1, 1.5, 2, 2.75, 3, 3.80, 4, 5, etc. or 10 or less includes 10, 9.4, 7.6, 5, 4.3, 2.9, 1.62, 0.3, etc.). When a range of values is "up to" or "at least" a particular value, that value is included in the range.

The words "preferred" and "preferably" refer to embodiments that may provide certain benefits under certain circumstances. However, other embodiments may be preferred, under the same or other circumstances. Furthermore, the recitation of one or more preferred embodiments does not imply that other embodiments are not useful, and is not intended to exclude other embodiments from the scope of the disclosure, including the claims.

The above summary of the present invention is not intended to describe each embodiment or every implementation of the systems and methods described herein. Rather, a more complete understanding of the present invention will become apparent and appreciated by reference to the following description of exemplary embodiments and claims with reference to the accompanying drawings in the drawings.

Drawings

Fig. 1 is a schematic view of one illustrative embodiment of a single needle sequential injection system as described herein.

Fig. 2 is a schematic view of one illustrative embodiment of a delivery chamber that may be used in one or more embodiments of a single needle sequential injection system as described herein.

Fig. 3 is a perspective view of a portion of one illustrative embodiment of a processing system incorporating one illustrative embodiment of a single needle sequential injection system as described herein.

Fig. 4 is a top view of an illustrative embodiment of the single needle sequential injection system depicted in fig. 3.

Fig. 5A is a side view of one needle park and associated components of the illustrative embodiment of the single needle sequential injection system depicted in fig. 3-4, with the needle park in a retracted position.

Fig. 5B is a side view of the needle park and associated components of fig. 5A, with the needle park in an injection position.

Fig. 6 is a perspective view of an illustrative embodiment of a delivery chamber as depicted in the single needle sequential injection system depicted in fig. 3-5B.

Fig. 7 is a top view of the delivery chamber depicted in fig. 6.

Fig. 8 is a cross-sectional view of the delivery chamber of fig. 6-7 taken along line 8-8 in fig. 7.

Fig. 9 is a perspective view of an illustrative embodiment of a piston pump as depicted in the single needle sequential injection system depicted in fig. 3-5B.

Fig. 10 is a side view of the piston pump of fig. 9 in a ready-to-use configuration.

FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view of the piston pump of FIGS. 9-10 taken along line 11-11 in FIG. 10.

Fig. 12 is a side view of the piston pump of fig. 9 at a midpoint of a delivery cycle.

FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view of the piston pump of FIG. 12 taken along line 13-13 in FIG. 12.

While the above-identified drawing figures, which may or may not be to scale, illustrate embodiments of the invention, other embodiments are also contemplated, as noted in the discussion. In all cases, this disclosure presents the disclosure by way of representation and not limitation. It should be understood that numerous other modifications and embodiments can be devised by those skilled in the art, which fall within the scope of the invention.

Detailed Description

In the following description, reference is made to the accompanying drawings which form a part hereof, and in which is shown by way of illustration specific embodiments. It is to be understood that other embodiments may be utilized and that changes may be made without departing from the scope of the present invention.

Fig. 1 is a schematic view of one illustrative embodiment of a single needle sequential injection system 10 as described herein. In one or more embodiments, the single needle sequential injection system 10 may include a needle carriage 20 for carrying an injection needle 60. Needle carriage 20 may be configured to move between a retracted position and an injection position. Examples of some potentially useful needle holder designs that may be used in conjunction with the single needle sequential injection system described herein may be found, for example, in International publication WO2018/204572(Eid et al)

In one or more embodiments, a single needle sequential injection system may include a controller 12 operatively connected to a needle carriage actuator 22, which needle carriage actuator 22 is in turn operatively connected to a needle carriage 20 to move the needle carriage 20 between its retracted and injection positions. Also, examples of some potentially useful needle holder actuators that may be used in conjunction with the single needle sequential injection systems described herein may be found, for example, in International publication WO2018/204572(Eid et al).

The controller used in one or more embodiments of the single needle sequential injection system as described herein may be provided in any suitable form and may, for example, include a memory and a controller. The controller may for example be of the form: one or more microprocessors, Field Programmable Gate Arrays (FPGAs), Digital Signal Processors (DSPs), microcontrollers, Application Specific Integrated Circuit (ASIC) state machines, and the like. The controller may include one or more of any suitable input devices configured to allow a user to operate the apparatus (e.g., keyboard, touch screen, mouse, trackball, etc.) and a display device configured to convey information to the user (e.g., a monitor (which may or may not be a touch screen), indicator lights, etc.).

The illustrative embodiment of needle carriage 20 includes a delivery chamber 40 including an outlet port 50, an injection needle 60 being connected to the outlet port 50 such that liquid exiting the delivery chamber 40 through the outlet port 50 enters the lumen of the injection needle 60 for delivery. In one or more embodiments, injection needle 60 includes a lumen in fluid communication with outlet port 50 that terminates in a needle opening distal from outlet port 50. Liquid delivered from a single needle sequential injection system exits the system at the needle opening, consistent with a conventional needle. As described herein, an injection needle used in a sequential injection system as described herein typically includes only a single lumen.

In the depicted illustrative embodiment, delivering liquid into delivery chamber 40 involves moving a first liquid through inlet port 30, flow restrictor 32, and branch port 34. The branch port 34 is in fluid communication with the delivery chamber 40. In the depicted illustrative embodiment, the second liquid moves through the inlet port 30', the flow restrictor 32', and the branch port 34 '. Branch port 34' is also in fluid communication with delivery chamber 40.

The first and second liquids are delivered to delivery chamber 40 through separate and independent flow paths, thereby preserving the integrity of the first and second liquids and preventing them from mixing until delivery chamber 40. In one or more embodiments, those separate flow paths may be beneficial to provide accurate and acceptable delivery of different liquids through a single lumen injection needle 60 as described herein.

In the depicted illustrative embodiment, the first liquid is delivered to the inlet port 30 using a liquid delivery device 70 in fluid communication with the inlet port 30. In the depicted illustrative embodiment, the second liquid is delivered to the inlet port 30' using a liquid delivery device 70' in fluid communication with the inlet port 30 '. In one or more embodiments, liquid delivery devices 70 and 70' may include liquid delivery actuators 80 and 80', respectively, and liquid sources 90 and 90', respectively. In one or more embodiments, the liquid delivery actuators 80 and 80 'may be operably connected to the controller 12 to effect delivery of the first and second liquids to the inlet ports 30 and 30', respectively.

In one or more embodiments, the first liquid source 90 and the second liquid source 90' can have at least one set of different properties. Some potentially different properties of the first and second liquids include, but are not limited to: the first liquid is immiscible in the second liquid at 20 degrees celsius and atmospheric pressure of 1013 mbar; the first liquid has a higher viscosity than the second liquid; the density of the first liquid is less than the density of the second liquid; the majority (by volume) of the first liquid comprises mineral oil and the majority (by volume) of the second liquid comprises water. Liquids having different properties and/or being immiscible in each other may enhance the ability of the single needle sequential injection system described herein to deliver discrete doses of different liquids.

In one or more embodiments, the controller 12 may be configured to operate the needle carriage actuator 22 to move the needle carriage 20 from its retracted position to its injection position. Controller 12 may also be configured to operate first fluid delivery actuator 80 to deliver a first dose of a first fluid to inlet port 30 after operating needle carriage actuator 22 to move needle carriage 20 from its retracted position to its injection position. The first dose of the first liquid enters the injection needle 60 through the outlet port 50 after passing through the intermediate fluid path between the liquid delivery actuator 80 and the outlet port 50.

The controller 12 may also be further configured to, after operating the fluid delivery actuator 80 to deliver the first dose of the first fluid to the inlet port 30, operate the second fluid delivery actuator 80 'to deliver the first dose of the second fluid to the inlet port 30'. The first dose of the second liquid enters the injection needle 60 through the outlet port 50 after passing through the intermediate fluid path between the liquid delivery actuator 80' and the outlet port 50.

In one or more embodiments, the first dose of the second fluid enters the injection needle 60 through the outlet port 50 after the first dose of the first fluid, for example, due to the order in which the doses of the first and second fluids are delivered to the outlet port 50.

As described herein, the liquid delivery actuators 80 and 80 'are configured to deliver liquid to their respective inlet ports 30 and 30' at liquid pressure. In one or more embodiments, the pressure of the liquid delivered by the single needle sequential injection systems described herein can be the same or different for two or more liquids delivered using the single needle sequential injection systems described herein. In particular, it may be beneficial to deliver a first liquid at a first liquid pressure that is different from a second liquid pressure at which a second liquid is delivered.

As described herein, it may be beneficial to deliver different liquids at different liquid pressures, e.g., to ensure delivery of an appropriate volume of liquid, to improve the effectiveness of the delivery, etc. In addition, the composition of the different liquids may affect or drive the pressure at which the liquids are delivered to achieve maximum efficiency. For example, it may be beneficial to deliver oil-based liquids at higher pressures than water-based liquids, or vice versa.

In one or more embodiments, the flow restrictors 32 and 32' located between the inlet ports 30 and 30' and the branch ports 34 and 34' may take the form of check valves that allow liquid to flow from the inlet ports 30 and 30' to the branch ports 34 and 34', while also preventing reverse flow, i.e., liquid from flowing from the branch ports 34 and 34' to the inlet ports 30 and 30 '. In general, a check valve may be considered a passive flow control device that does not require active control or operation to perform the function of allowing forward flow while preventing reverse flow, as described herein.

However, in one or more alternative embodiments, the restrictors 32 and 32 'may be in the form of valves or other fluid control devices that restrict or allow flow therethrough based on the open or closed state of the restrictors 32 and 32'. In such embodiments, the flow restrictors 32 and 32' may be operably connected to the controller 12, and the controller 12 may be configured to open and close the flow restrictors 32 and 32' to allow or prevent flow therethrough, if desired, to deliver liquid from the first and second liquid delivery devices 70 and 70' to the delivery chambers, as described herein.

In one or more embodiments, the first dose of the first liquid (and/or the first dose of the second liquid) delivered to the injection needle 60 may have a first dose volume that is equal to or greater than a needle cavity volume of a lumen through which the liquid passes in the injection needle 60. The needle lumen volume is the volume of the lumen in the needle 60 measured from the junction of the outlet port 50 and the lumen in the needle 60 to the needle opening distal to the outlet port 50 (the needle lumen volume may be better understood with reference to the illustrative embodiment of the needle 160 depicted in fig. 7 below).

In one or more embodiments of the sequential injection system as described herein, the first dose of the first and/or second liquid may have a dose volume equal to or greater than 2 times, greater than 4 times, greater than 6 times, greater than 8 times, or even greater than 10 times the needle lumen volume. Providing a dose volume that is significantly greater than the needle volume may enhance the ability of a single needle sequential injection system to sequentially deliver discrete doses of different liquids.

The dosage volumes of different liquids delivered using one or more embodiments of the single needle sequential injection system described herein may be the same or different. For example, the volume of the first dose of the first liquid may be the same or different than the volume of the first dose of the second liquid.

Some exemplary volumes that may be used in connection with one or more embodiments of the described sequential injection system may include, for example, a first dose volume of either or both of 0.15 ml to 0.5 ml of the first and second liquids. In one or more embodiments, the syringe cavity volume may be, for example, 0.01 milliliters.

While the delivery chamber used in one or more embodiments of the single needle sequential injection system described herein may take many different forms, one illustrative embodiment of a delivery chamber 40 that may be used in one or more embodiments of the sequential injection system described herein is schematically depicted in fig. 2. In the depicted embodiment, the delivery chamber 40 includes a first branch 42 in fluid communication with the branch port 34 of the single-needle sequential injection system depicted in fig. 1 and a second branch 42 'in fluid communication with the branch port 34' of the single-needle sequential injection system depicted in fig. 1.

Branches 42 and 42' of delivery chamber 40 are in fluid communication with junction 44, which junction 44 is in turn in fluid communication with delivery branch 46 of delivery chamber 40. An outlet port 50 is in fluid communication with the delivery branch 46, as depicted in fig. 2.

As a result, the liquids delivered to the delivery chamber 40 through the first and second branches 42, 42' meet at the junction 44, where both liquids move through the delivery branch 46 to the outlet port 50 where they can be delivered to the single lumen of the injection needle 60, as described herein.

In addition to being larger than the syringe cavity volume, one or more embodiments of the sequential injection systems as described herein may provide a first dose of the first and/or second liquids, where the dose volume is equal to or greater than 2 times, 4 times, 6 times, 8 times, or even 10 times the sum of the syringe cavity volume and the delivery branch volume, where the delivery branch volume is the volume of the delivery branch measured from the junction 44 to the outlet port 50. Providing a dosage volume that is significantly greater than the sum of the syringe cavity volume and the delivery branch volume may further enhance the ability of a single-needle sequential injection system to sequentially deliver discrete doses of different fluids.

In one or more embodiments of the single needle sequential injection systems described herein, one or both of the first branch 42 and the second branch 42' have a volume that is greater than the volume of the delivery branch 46.

In one or more embodiments of the single needle sequential injection systems described herein, the volume of one or both of the first branch 42 and the second branch 42' is greater than the sum of the volume of the delivery branch 46 and the volume of the lumen of the needle 60.

In one or more embodiments of the single needle sequential injection systems described herein, the dose of the first liquid delivered to the first branch port 34 has a first liquid dose volume equal to or greater than the sum of the delivery branch volume (the volume of the delivery branch 46) and the volume of the first branch 42.

In one or more embodiments of the single needle sequential injection systems described herein, the dose of the second liquid delivered to the second branch port 34 'has a second liquid dose volume equal to or greater than the sum of the delivery branch volume (the volume of the delivery branch 46) and the volume of the second branch 42'.

In one or more embodiments of the single needle sequential injection systems described herein, the dose of the first liquid delivered to the branch port 34 has a first liquid dose volume equal to or greater than the first branch 42, and optionally equal to or greater than at least 2 times, at least 4 times, at least 6 times, at least 8 times, or at least 10 times the volume of the first branch 42.

In one or more embodiments of the single needle sequential injection systems described herein, the dose of the second liquid delivered to the second branch port 34' has a second liquid dose volume equal to or greater than the volume of the second branch 42', and optionally equal to or greater than at least 2 times, at least 4 times, at least 6 times, at least 8 times, or at least 10 times the volume of the second branch 42 '.

One or more embodiments of the single needle sequential injection systems described herein may be incorporated into systems designed to deliver liquids to, for example, poultry. One example of such a system is partially depicted in fig. 3-5B, and certain illustrative embodiments of components of a single needle sequential injection system as used in such an environment will be described with reference to fig. 3-12.

Referring to FIG. 3, system 100 includes a rotating platform 102, where rotating platform 102 is configured to rotate in a direction indicated by the arrow located outside the perimeter of rotating platform 102. This rotation is used to move the birds into the position shown in fig. 3-4 at each single needle sequential injection system. Similar rotating platforms and related apparatus for poultry processing may be described in various documents such as, for example, U.S. Pat. No. 5,651,731(Gorans et al) and U.S. Pat. No.7,232,450 (Gorans et al).

Although the depicted illustrative system 100 includes a rotating platform, the single needle sequential injection systems described herein may be used in systems that do not involve rotational movement of the single needle sequential injection system and/or bird restraint device. For example, the injection systems described herein may be used in any suitable treatment system and/or METHOD, such as those described in U.S. patent No.7,367,284(Gorans) entitled "AUTOMATED POULTRY PROCESSING METHOD and system (AUTOMATED POULTRY PROCESSING METHOD AND SYSTEM)". The injection systems and methods described herein may also be used in such other systems or environments: wherein transport and/or handling of the birds is performed and the birds are restrained in a bird restraining device suitable for injection using the single needle sequential injection system described herein.

The components of the single needle sequential injection system described in connection with fig. 3 to 4 include: a set of needle racks 120, each needle rack 120 carrying a delivery chamber 140. As described herein, the needle carriage 120 of one or more embodiments of the single needle sequential injection systems described herein moves between a retracted position and an injection position. Fig. 5A-5B are side views of one needle carrier 120 and associated components in a retracted position (see fig. 5A) and an injection position (see fig. 5B). In each of fig. 5A-5B, the needle rack 120 includes a delivery chamber 140 and an attachment needle 160 mounted thereon. The needle carriage 120 is supported on an arm 124, the arm 124 extending from a base 126 attached to the fixed platform 104. The stationary platform 104 is located above the rotating platform 102, which rotating platform 102 is used to move the bird trays 106 into position relative to each needle rack 120 in the depicted illustrative embodiment of the single needle sequential injection system described herein.

Movement of the needle carriage 120 between its retracted position (e.g., as seen in fig. 5A) and its injection position (e.g., as seen in fig. 5B) is accomplished by rotating the needle carriage 120 about an axis 121 extending through the arm 124. In the depicted illustrative embodiment, rotation of the needle carriage 120 about the axis 121 is performed using a needle carriage actuator 122. The needle carriage actuator 122 may take various forms as described herein. Examples of some potentially useful needle carriage actuators that may be used in conjunction with the single needle sequential injection systems described herein may be found, for example, in international publication WO2018/204572(Eid et al).

In fig. 5A, the exemplary needle rack 120 is depicted in a retracted position, which in the depicted illustrative embodiment allows the carriage 106 to move relative to the needle rack 120 into a position that: this position allows the injection needle 160 to be placed over a bird or other intended recipient to which liquid is to be delivered through the injection needle 160.

As depicted in fig. 5B, the needle carriage 120 is in an injection position for a bird or other intended recipient after rotation about the axis 121. In such a configuration, advancement of the injection needle 160 is preferably arranged to deliver the liquid through the injection needle 160 into the bird or other intended recipient. After delivery of the liquid, the needle carriage 120 may be rotated about the axis 121 such that the needle carriage 120 returns to its retracted position, as depicted in fig. 5A.

Also depicted in fig. 3-4 are two sets of liquid delivery actuators 180 and 180 'provided with a pair of liquid delivery devices 170/170' mounted on the platform 102. The liquid delivery device 170/170 'and its associated liquid delivery actuator 180/180' are used to deliver two different liquids to each delivery chamber 140 on the needle carrier 120 of the system 100, as depicted in fig. 3-4.

The liquid delivery device 170/170' is more specifically mounted on the base 172. The base 172 carries liquid delivery actuators 180 and 180', in the depicted illustrative embodiment, the actuators 180 and 180' are in the form of piston pumps. Each piston pump 180/180' is driven by a piston driver 174 also located in the base 172. As depicted in fig. 3, each piston driver 174 is aligned with one of the piston pumps 180/180' such that actuation of the piston driver 174 toward the associated piston pump 180/180' forces liquid out of the piston pump 180/180', as will be described herein.

Referring to fig. 4, the piston driver 174 may be pneumatically driven. The pneumatically driven piston driver 174 may provide a convenient way to control the pressure at which the piston pump 180/180' delivers liquid to the injection needles of the single needle sequential injection system described herein. In particular, the depicted embodiment of the single needle sequential injection system includes a pair of regulators 175 and 175' for controlling the air pressure used to drive the piston driver 174. Gauges 176 and 176 'may be provided on the base 172 to provide a convenient way to monitor the different air pressures used to drive the different sets of piston pumps 180/180'. The adjustment of the regulators 175 and 175 'for delivering two different air pressures to the piston drivers 174 aligned with different sets of piston pumps 180/180' may be used to deliver two different liquids at two different pressures, as described herein.

Although the depicted illustrative embodiment of the single needle sequential injection system uses a pneumatically driven piston driver 174, many other alternative mechanisms or techniques may be used to drive the piston pump 180/180', including but not limited to solenoids, hydraulics, cams (electric, hydraulic, pneumatic, etc.) driven by rotary motors, and the like.

The force applied by the piston driver 174 to the piston pump 180/180' can be directly related to the fluid pressure at the needle opening of the injection needle where the liquid exits the single needle sequential injection system described herein. As described herein, a single needle sequential injection system may provide the ability to deliver different liquids at different pressures. For example, it may be beneficial to deliver a liquid consisting primarily of oil at a higher pressure than a water-based liquid. In one or more embodiments, the single needle sequential injection systems described herein can be configured to provide a fluid pressure differential between at least two liquids delivered through the needles of the system in a ratio of at least 2 to 1. In other words, with a single needle sequential injection system, the pressure at which the first liquid is delivered may be twice or more the pressure at which the second liquid is delivered. The exact pressures at which the different liquids are delivered can be adjusted or controlled to both minimum and maximum levels, respectively, in order to properly deliver one liquid and avoid over-pressurization when delivering another liquid.

One illustrative embodiment of a delivery chamber 140 included in the single needle sequential injection system depicted in fig. 3-5B is isolated in fig. 6-8. The delivery chamber 140 includes inlet ports 130 and 130' and an outlet port 150.

As seen in the cross-sectional view of fig. 8, the delivery chamber 140 includes flow restrictors 132 and 132' in the form of check valves. Flow restrictors 132 and 132' are located between inlet ports 130 and 130' and branch ports 134 and 134 '. Branch ports 134 and 134 'are located at the upper ends of branches 142 and 142' (in the depicted view) that lead to junction 144. Delivery branch 146 is distal from junction 144 toward outlet port 150. As a result, branches 142 and 142' may be described as meeting at junction 144, with first branch 142 extending from branch port 134 to junction 144, and second branch 142' extending from branch port 134' to junction 144. In the depicted exemplary embodiment, in which the flow restrictors 132 and 132 'are in the form of ball valves, the branches 142 and 142' extend from the junction between the ball of the ball valve and their respective sealing portions to the junction 144.

In the depicted illustrative embodiment, delivery branch 146 may be described as extending from junction 144 to outlet port 150.

One illustrative embodiment of a single lumen injection needle 160 attached to the outlet port 150 of the delivery branch 140 is also depicted in fig. 8. The injection needle 160 includes a body 162 having a single lumen 164, the single lumen 164 extending from the outlet port to a needle opening 166 remote from the outlet port 150.

In one or more embodiments, branches 142/142' may each be described as having a branch volume, while delivery branch 146 may be described as having a delivery branch volume. In one or more embodiments, one or both of branches 142/142' may have a volume greater than the volume of the delivery branch. In one exemplary embodiment, the branch volume may be, for example, 0.13 ml, while the delivery branch volume is 0.03 ml.

The lumen 164 of the injection needle 160 attached to the outlet 150 may have a needle lumen volume measured from the junction of the lumen 164 and the outlet port 150 to the needle opening 166 distal to the outlet port 150. In one or more embodiments, the branch volume of one or both of the two branches 142/142' may be described as being greater than the sum of the delivery branch volume and the needle lumen volume. In one exemplary embodiment, the delivery branch volume may be 0.03 ml, the syringe cavity volume may be 0.01 ml, and each branch volume may be, for example, 0.13 ml.

In one or more embodiments of a delivery branch that may be used in one or more embodiments of the sequential injection systems described herein, the direction of flow within the delivery branch may be used to provide control over discrete dose delivery of different fluids delivered to the junction of the delivery branch. In the depicted illustrative embodiment, liquid flowing through branch 142 of delivery chamber 140 may be described as flowing into junction 144 along a first flow axis, while liquid flowing through branch 142' of delivery chamber 140 may be described as flowing into junction 144 along a second flow axis. Although not specifically depicted in fig. 8, the flow axis may be described as extending through the center of each branch 142/142'.

In one or more embodiments, the first and second flow axes intersect in the junction 144 to form a V-shape having an angle of less than 90 °, 80 ° or less, 70 ° or less, 60 ° or less, or 50 ° or less. In one or more embodiments, limiting the angle formed by the first and second flow axes may limit undesired or undesirable mixing of the fluids delivered to junction 144 along different branches 142/142'.

An illustrative embodiment of a liquid delivery actuator in the form of a depicted piston pump is depicted in more detail in fig. 9-13, which incorporates the single needle sequential injection system of fig. 3-5B. Piston pump 180 includes a body 182 and inlet and

outlet ports

181 and 183. The piston pump 180 further includes a piston 186 and a return spring 187, the return spring 187 being used to return the piston 186 to its ready position after the piston 186 is advanced to pump liquid through the piston pump 180. The outlet 183 of the piston pump 180 will typically be connected to one inlet port of the delivery chamber of a single needle sequential injection system as described herein.

Referring to fig. 10-13, the piston pump 180 is shown in its ready position with the piston driver 174 out of contact with the piston 186 to provide a pump volume 184 within the piston bore 185, as seen in fig. 11. The piston pump 180 also includes check valves 189, the check valves 189 being located between the inlet port 181 and the piston 186 and between the inlet port 181 and the outlet port 183. Check valve 189 prevents liquid from flowing out of piston pump 180 through inlet 181 during pumping caused by movement of piston 186.

When piston driver 174 moves piston 186 toward check valve 189, liquid located within pump chamber 184 is driven out of outlet 183. Movement of the piston 186 toward the check valve 189 reduces or eliminates the volume of the pump chamber 184, as seen in fig. 13, wherein the volume of liquid located within the pump chamber 184 is driven out of the piston pump 180 through the outlet 183. Liquid driven through outlet 183 as described herein is delivered to an attached inlet port of a delivery chamber for eventual delivery to an injection needle as described herein. The volume of the pump chamber 184 will typically be the same as the volume of the dose delivered using the piston pump 180 (assuming an incompressible liquid is delivered using a pump). Further, adjusting the position of the piston 186 in the piston bore 185 while the piston pump is in the ready position may be used to adjust the dose volume as needed (e.g., to achieve a desired dose volume).

In the illustrative embodiment of the depicted piston pump 180, movement of the piston driver 174 away from the piston 186 results in movement of the piston 186 away from the check valve 189. This movement allows liquid to flow into the pump chamber 184 after the piston is advanced to pump a dose of liquid from the pump 180 through the outlet 183, with additional liquid being provided through the inlet 181 and the check valve 189.

Although the depicted embodiment of the liquid delivery actuator is in the form of a piston pump, it should be understood that any suitable liquid delivery actuation mechanism may be used in place of a piston pump. Examples of potentially useful alternative liquid delivery actuators that may be suitable for delivering discrete doses of liquid may include, but are not limited to, diaphragm pumps, peristaltic pumps, and the like.

While it may be beneficial to use a liquid delivery actuator specifically designed to deliver discrete doses of liquid, any liquid dose delivery may be accomplished using such a liquid delivery actuator: the liquid delivery actuator provides a relatively constant pressure in the liquid being dosed by opening and closing one or more valves or other flow restricting devices (e.g., clamps, etc.). Examples may include, but are not limited to, pressurized bladders containing liquids, screw pumps, etc., where one or more valves are opened and closed sequentially to provide discrete doses of liquid.

Although the illustrative embodiments of the sequential injection system described herein relate to the delivery of two different liquids, the sequential injection system of the present invention may be configured to deliver three or more different liquids through a single lumen injection needle with additional appropriate equipment and control systems.

Illustrative examples

The following are some illustrative embodiments of the systems and methods described herein.

Example 1. single needle sequential injection system comprising:

a needle carriage configured to move between a retracted position and an injection position, the needle carriage comprising:

a delivery chamber defined in the needle rack, the delivery chamber including an outlet port, a first branch port, and a second branch port, wherein the first branch port, the second branch port, and the outlet port are in fluid communication with one another through the delivery chamber;

a first flow restrictor in liquid communication with the first branch port, the first flow restrictor preventing liquid from flowing out of the delivery chamber through the first branch port;

a first inlet port in liquid communication with the first flow restrictor such that liquid entering the first inlet port flows through the first flow restrictor before reaching the first branch port;

a second flow restrictor in liquid communication with the second branch port, the second flow restrictor preventing liquid from flowing out of the delivery chamber through the second branch port; and

a second inlet port in liquid communication with the second flow restrictor such that liquid entering the second inlet port flows through the second flow restrictor before reaching the second branch port;

an injection needle attached to the outlet port, the injection needle comprising a lumen in fluid communication with the outlet port, the lumen terminating in a needle opening distal to the outlet port;

a needle carriage actuator operably connected to the needle carriage, the needle carriage actuator configured to move the needle carriage between a retracted position and an injection position;

a first liquid delivery device in liquid communication with the first inlet port, the first liquid delivery device comprising a first liquid delivery actuator configured to deliver a first liquid to the first inlet port at a first liquid pressure; and

a second fluid delivery device in fluid communication with the second inlet port, the second fluid delivery device comprising a second fluid delivery actuator configured to deliver a second fluid to the first inlet port at a second fluid pressure, wherein the second fluid pressure is independent of the first fluid pressure; and

a controller operably connected to the needle carriage actuator, the first fluid delivery actuator, and the second fluid delivery actuator, the controller configured to:

operating the needle carriage actuator to move the needle carriage from the retracted position to the injection position;

after operating the needle carriage actuator to move the needle carriage from the retracted position to the injection position, operating the first fluid delivery actuator to deliver the first dose of the first fluid to the first inlet port, wherein the first dose of the first fluid enters the injection needle through the outlet port; and

after operating the first fluid delivery actuator to deliver the first dose of the first fluid to the first inlet port, operating the second fluid delivery actuator to deliver the first dose of the second fluid to the second inlet port, wherein the first dose of the second fluid enters the injection needle through the outlet port after the first dose of the first fluid.

Example 2. single needle sequential injection system comprising:

a delivery chamber comprising an outlet port, a first branch port, and a second branch port, wherein the first branch port, the second branch port, and the outlet port are in fluid communication with one another through the delivery chamber;

a second flow restrictor in liquid communication with the second branch port, the second flow restrictor preventing liquid from flowing out of the delivery chamber through the second branch port;

a controller operably connected to the first and second liquid delivery actuators, the controller configured to:

operating a first fluid delivery actuator to deliver a first dose of a first fluid to a first inlet port, wherein the first dose of the first fluid enters the injection needle through the outlet port; and

after operating the first fluid delivery actuator to deliver the first dose of the first fluid to the first inlet port, operating the second delivery actuator to deliver the first dose of the second fluid to the second inlet port, wherein the first dose of the second fluid enters the injection needle through the outlet port after the first dose of the first fluid.

Embodiment 3. a single needle sequential injection system according to any of embodiments 1 and 2, wherein the first dose of the first liquid comprises a first dose volume equal to or greater than a needle lumen volume, wherein the needle lumen volume is the volume of the lumen in the needle measured from the junction of the outlet port and the lumen to the needle opening distal to the outlet port.

Embodiment 4. the single needle sequential injection system of any of embodiments 1 and 2, wherein the first dose of the first liquid comprises a first dose volume equal to or greater than 2,4, 6, 8, or even 10 times the volume of the needle lumen, wherein the needle lumen volume is the volume of the lumen in the needle measured from the junction of the outlet port and the lumen to the needle opening distal to the outlet port.

Embodiment 5. a single needle sequential injection system according to any of embodiments 1 and 2, wherein the delivery chamber comprises a first branch, a second branch and a delivery branch, wherein the first branch, the second branch and the delivery branch meet at a junction, wherein the first branch extends from the first branch port to the junction, the second branch extends from the second branch port to the junction, the delivery branch extends from the junction to the outlet port, the first branch comprises a first branch volume, the second branch comprises a second branch volume, the delivery branch comprises a delivery branch volume, and the lumen in the needle comprises a needle cavity volume measured from the junction of the outlet port and the lumen to the needle opening distal to the outlet port.

Embodiment 6. the single needle sequential injection system of embodiment 5, wherein the first branch volume is greater than the delivery branch volume.

Embodiment 7. the single needle sequential injection system of any of embodiments 5 to 6, wherein the first branch volume is greater than the sum of the delivery branch volume and the syringe cavity volume.

Embodiment 8. the single needle sequential injection system of any of embodiments 5 to 7, wherein the second branch volume is greater than the delivery branch volume.

Embodiment 9. the single needle sequential injection system of any of embodiments 5 to 8, wherein the first dose of the first fluid comprises a first fluid dose volume equal to or greater than the sum of the first branch volume and the delivery branch volume.

Embodiment 10. the single needle sequential injection system of embodiment 9, wherein the first dose of the second fluid comprises a second fluid dose volume equal to or greater than the sum of the second branch volume and the delivery branch volume.

Embodiment 11. the single needle sequential injection system of any of embodiments 5 to 10, wherein the first dose of the first fluid comprises a first fluid dose volume equal to or greater than the first branch volume, and optionally at least 2 times, at least 4 times, at least 6 times, at least 8 times, or at least 10 times the first branch volume.

Embodiment 12. the single needle sequential injection system of embodiment 11, wherein the first dose of the second fluid comprises a second fluid dose volume equal to or greater than the second branch volume, and optionally at least 2 times, at least 4 times, at least 6 times, at least 8 times, or at least 10 times the second branch volume.

Embodiment 13. a single needle sequential injection system according to any of embodiments 5 to 12, wherein the first liquid flows into the junction along a first flow axis and the second liquid flows into the junction along a second flow axis, wherein the first and second flow axes intersect in the junction to form a V-shaped angle of less than 90 degrees, 80 degrees or less, 70 degrees or less, 60 degrees or less, or 50 degrees or less.

Embodiment 14. the single needle sequential injection system of any of embodiments 1 to 13, wherein the first flow restrictor comprises a check valve, and optionally wherein the second flow restrictor comprises a check valve.

Embodiment 15. the single needle sequential injection system of any of embodiments 1 to 14, wherein the first liquid delivery actuator comprises a first piston pump, and wherein the first liquid delivery device comprises a first piston driver configured to drive a piston of the first piston pump, wherein driving the piston of the first piston pump delivers the first liquid from a piston chamber of the first piston pump to the first inlet port at the first liquid pressure, and optionally wherein the second liquid delivery actuator comprises a second piston pump, and wherein the second liquid delivery device comprises a second piston driver configured to drive a piston of the second piston pump, wherein driving the piston of the second piston pump delivers the second liquid from the piston chamber of the second piston pump to the second inlet port at the second liquid pressure.

Embodiment 16. the single needle sequential injection system of embodiment 15, wherein the first piston driver is driven using a first pneumatic source and the second piston driver is driven using a second pneumatic source, wherein the pressure of the first pneumatic source is independent of the pressure of the second pneumatic source.

Embodiment 17. the single needle sequential injection system of any of embodiments 1 to 16, wherein the first liquid delivery device comprises a first liquid source and the second liquid delivery device comprises a second liquid source, wherein optionally the first liquid and the second liquid have at least one set of the following different properties: the first liquid is immiscible in the second liquid at 20 degrees celsius and atmospheric pressure of 1013 mbar; the first liquid has a higher viscosity than the second liquid; the density of the first liquid is less than the density of the second liquid; a majority by volume of the first liquid comprises mineral oil and a majority by volume of the second liquid comprises water.

Example 18. a method of delivering a first liquid and a second liquid through a single lumen injection needle, wherein the method comprises:

delivering a first dose of a first liquid at a first liquid pressure to a first branch port of a delivery chamber, wherein the delivery chamber comprises a second branch port and an outlet port, wherein the first branch port, the second branch port, and the outlet port are in fluid communication with one another through the delivery chamber;

delivering the first dose of the second fluid to the second branch port of the delivery chamber at the second fluid pressure after delivering the first dose of the first fluid to the first branch port of the delivery chamber;

delivering a second dose of the first fluid to the first branch port of the delivery chamber at the first fluid pressure after delivering the first dose of the second fluid to the second branch port of the delivery chamber; and

delivering a second dose of a second liquid to the second branch port of the delivery chamber at a second liquid pressure after delivering the second dose of the first liquid to the first branch port of the delivery chamber;

wherein a first dose of a first liquid is delivered to a single lumen of an injection needle in liquid communication with an outlet port of a delivery chamber;

wherein after the first liquid is delivered to the single lumen, at least a portion of the first dose of the second liquid is delivered to the single lumen of the injection needle in liquid communication with the outlet port of the delivery chamber such that at least a portion of the first dose of the first liquid is forced out of the single lumen through the needle opening distal from the outlet port of the delivery chamber.

Embodiment 19 the method of embodiment 18, wherein the first liquid pressure is independent of the second liquid pressure.

Embodiment 20. the method of any of embodiments 18 to 19, wherein the first liquid pressure is different from the second liquid pressure.

Embodiment 21. the method of any of embodiments 18 to 20, wherein one of the first and second liquid pressures is 2 or more times, 3 or more times, 4 or more times, or 5 or more times the other of the first and second liquid pressures.

Embodiment 22 the method of any of embodiments 18-21, wherein the delivery chamber comprises a first branch, a second branch, and a delivery branch, wherein the first branch, the second branch, and the delivery branch meet at a junction, wherein the first branch extends from the first branch port to the junction, the second branch extends from the second branch port to the junction, the delivery branch extends from the junction to the outlet port, wherein the first branch comprises a first branch volume, the second branch comprises a second branch volume, the delivery branch comprises a delivery branch volume, and the lumen in the needle comprises a needle cavity volume measured from the junction of the outlet port and the lumen to the needle opening distal to the outlet port.

Embodiment 23. the method of embodiment 22, wherein the first branch volume is greater than the delivery branch volume.

Embodiment 24. the method of any of embodiments 22 to 23, wherein the first branch volume is greater than the sum of the delivery branch volume and the needle lumen volume.

Embodiment 25. the method of any of embodiments 22 to 24, wherein the second branch volume is greater than the delivery branch volume.

Embodiment 26. the method of any of embodiments 22 to 25, wherein the second branch volume is greater than the sum of the delivery branch volume and the needle lumen volume.

Embodiment 27. the method of any of embodiments 22 to 26, wherein the first dose of the first fluid comprises a first fluid dose volume equal to or greater than the sum of the first branch volume and the delivery branch volume.

Embodiment 28. the method of embodiment 27, wherein the first dose of the second fluid comprises a second fluid dose volume equal to or greater than the sum of the second branch volume and the delivery branch volume.

Embodiment 29 the method of any of embodiments 22 to 28, wherein the first dose of the first fluid comprises a first fluid dose volume equal to or greater than the first branch volume, and optionally at least 2 times, at least 4 times, at least 6 times, at least 8 times, or at least 10 times the first branch volume.

Embodiment 30. the method of embodiment 29, wherein the first dose of the second fluid comprises a second fluid dose volume equal to or greater than the second branch volume, and optionally at least 2 times, at least 4 times, at least 6 times, at least 8 times, or at least 10 times the second branch volume.

Embodiment 31. the method of any of embodiments 22 to 30, wherein the first liquid flows into the junction along a first flow axis and the second liquid flows into the junction along a second flow axis, wherein the first flow axis and the second flow axis intersect to form an angle of less than 90 degrees, 80 degrees or less, 70 degrees or less, 60 degrees or less, or 50 degrees or less in the junction.

Embodiment 32. the method of any of embodiments 18 to 31, wherein the first liquid and the second liquid have at least one set of the following different properties: the first liquid is immiscible in the second liquid at 20 degrees celsius and atmospheric pressure of 1013 mbar; the first liquid has a higher viscosity than the second liquid; the density of the first liquid is less than the density of the second liquid; a majority by volume of the first liquid comprises mineral oil and a majority by volume of the second liquid comprises water.

Example 33. single needle sequential injection system, comprising:

an injection needle attached to the outlet port, the injection needle comprising a single lumen in fluid communication with the outlet port, the single lumen terminating in a needle opening distal to the outlet port;

a second liquid delivery device in liquid communication with the second inlet port, the second liquid delivery device comprising a second liquid delivery actuator configured to deliver a second liquid to the first inlet port at a second liquid pressure, wherein the second liquid pressure is independent of the first liquid pressure.

Embodiment 34. the single needle sequential injection system of embodiment 33, wherein the dose of the first liquid comprises a first liquid dose volume equal to or greater than a needle lumen volume, wherein the needle lumen volume is the volume of the lumen in the single lumen needle measured from the junction of the outlet port and the lumen to the needle opening distal to the outlet port.

Embodiment 35. the single needle sequential injection system of embodiment 33, wherein the dose of the first liquid comprises a first liquid dose volume equal to or greater than 2,4, 6, 8, or even 10 times the needle lumen volume, wherein the needle lumen volume is the volume of the lumen in the single lumen needle measured from the junction of the outlet port and the lumen to the needle opening distal to the outlet port.

Embodiment 36. the single needle sequential injection system of embodiment 33, wherein the delivery chamber comprises a first branch, a second branch, and a delivery branch, wherein the first branch, the second branch, and the delivery branch meet at a junction, wherein the first branch extends from the first branch port to the junction, the second branch extends from the second branch port to the junction, the delivery branch extends from the junction to the outlet port, wherein the first branch comprises a first branch volume, the second branch comprises a second branch volume, the delivery branch comprises a delivery branch volume, and the lumen in the single lumen needle comprises a needle lumen volume measured from the junction of the outlet port and the lumen to the needle opening distal to the outlet port.

Embodiment 37. a single needle sequential injection system according to embodiment 36, wherein the first branch volume is greater than the delivery branch volume.

Embodiment 38. the single needle sequential injection system of any of embodiments 36 to 37, wherein the first branch volume is greater than the sum of the delivery branch volume and the needle lumen volume.

Embodiment 39. the single needle sequential injection system of embodiment 38, wherein the second branch volume is greater than the sum of the delivery branch volume and the needle lumen volume.

Embodiment 40. the single needle sequential injection system of any one of embodiments 36 to 39, wherein the first dose of the first fluid comprises a first fluid dose volume equal to or greater than the sum of the first branch volume and the delivery branch volume.

Embodiment 41. the single needle sequential injection system of embodiment 40, wherein the first dose of the second fluid comprises a second fluid dose volume equal to or greater than the sum of the second branch volume and the delivery branch volume.

Embodiment 42. the single needle sequential injection system of any of embodiments 36 to 41, wherein the first dose of the first fluid comprises a first fluid dose volume equal to or greater than the first branch volume, and optionally at least 2 times, at least 4 times, at least 6 times, at least 8 times, or at least 10 times the first branch volume.

Embodiment 43 the single needle sequential injection system of embodiment 42, wherein the first dose of the second fluid comprises a second fluid dose volume equal to or greater than the second branch volume, and optionally at least 2 times, at least 4 times, at least 6 times, at least 8 times, or at least 10 times the second branch volume.

Embodiment 44. the single needle sequential injection system of any of embodiments 36 to 43, wherein the first liquid flows into the junction along a first flow axis and the second liquid flows into the junction along a second flow axis, wherein the first and second flow axes intersect to form an angle of less than 90 degrees, 80 degrees or less, 70 degrees or less, 60 degrees or less, or 50 degrees or less in the junction.

Embodiment 45. the single needle sequential injection system of any of embodiments 33 to 44, wherein the first flow restrictor comprises a check valve and optionally the second flow restrictor comprises a check valve.

Embodiment 46. the single needle sequential injection system of any of embodiments 33 to 45, wherein the first liquid delivery actuator comprises a first piston pump, and wherein the first liquid delivery device comprises a first piston driver configured to drive a piston of the first piston pump, wherein driving the piston of the first piston pump delivers the first liquid from a piston chamber of the first piston pump to the first inlet port at the first liquid pressure.

Embodiment 47. the single needle sequential injection system of embodiment 46, wherein the second liquid delivery actuator comprises a second piston pump, and wherein the second liquid delivery device comprises a second piston driver configured to drive a piston of the second piston pump, wherein driving the piston of the second piston pump delivers the second liquid from a piston chamber of the second piston pump to the second inlet port at the second liquid pressure.

Embodiment 48. the single needle sequential injection system of embodiment 47, wherein the first piston driver is driven using a first pneumatic source and the second piston driver is driven using a second pneumatic source, wherein the pressure of the first pneumatic source is independent of the pressure of the second pneumatic source.

Embodiment 49. the single needle sequential injection system of any of embodiments 33 to 48, wherein the first liquid delivery device comprises a first liquid source and the second liquid delivery device comprises a second liquid source, wherein optionally the first liquid and the second liquid have at least one set of the following different properties: the first liquid is immiscible in the second liquid at 20 degrees celsius and atmospheric pressure of 1013 mbar; the first liquid has a higher viscosity than the second liquid; the density of the first liquid is less than the density of the second liquid; a majority by volume of the first liquid comprises mineral oil and a majority by volume of the second liquid comprises water.

All references and publications cited herein are expressly incorporated by reference into this disclosure in their entirety unless they might be directly contradictory to this disclosure. Although specific illustrative embodiments have been described herein, it will be appreciated by those of ordinary skill in the art that a variety of alternate and/or equivalent implementations may be substituted for the specific embodiments shown and described without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. It should be understood that this disclosure is not intended to be unduly limited by the illustrative embodiments and examples set forth herein and that such examples and embodiments are presented by way of example only with the scope of the disclosure intended to be limited only by the claims.

Claims

1. A single needle sequential injection system, comprising:

a first liquid delivery device in liquid communication with the first inlet port, the first liquid delivery device comprising a first liquid delivery actuator configured to deliver a first liquid to the first inlet port at a first liquid pressure;

a controller including a needle carriage actuator control unit, a first fluid delivery actuator controller unit, and a second fluid delivery actuator control unit operatively connected to the needle carriage actuator, the first fluid delivery actuator, and the second fluid delivery actuator, respectively, the needle carriage actuator control unit, the first fluid delivery actuator controller unit, and the second fluid delivery actuator control unit working sequentially to operate the needle carriage actuator, the first fluid delivery actuator, and the second fluid delivery actuator, respectively.

2. The single needle sequential injection system of claim 1, wherein the first dose of the first fluid comprises a first dose volume equal to or greater than a needle lumen volume, wherein the needle lumen volume is a volume of a lumen in the needle measured from an interface of the outlet port with the lumen to a needle opening distal to the outlet port.

3. The single needle sequential injection system of claim 1, wherein the first dose of the first fluid comprises a first dose volume equal to or greater than 2,4, 6, 8, or even 10 times a volume of a needle lumen, wherein the needle lumen volume is a volume of the lumen in the needle measured from an interface of the outlet port with the lumen to a needle opening distal from the outlet port.

4. The single needle sequential injection system of claim 1, wherein the delivery chamber comprises a first branch, a second branch, and a delivery branch, wherein the first branch, the second branch, and the delivery branch meet at a junction, wherein the first branch extends from the first branch port to the junction, the second branch extends from the second branch port to the junction, the delivery branch extends from the junction to the outlet port, the first branch comprises a first branch volume, the second branch comprises a second branch volume, the delivery branch comprises a delivery branch volume, and the lumen in the needle comprises a needle cavity volume measured from the junction of the outlet port and the lumen to the needle opening distal from the outlet port.

5. The single needle sequential injection system of claim 4, wherein the first branch volume is greater than the delivery branch volume.

6. The single needle sequential injection system of any of claims 4 to 5, wherein the first branch volume is greater than the sum of the delivery branch volume and the syringe cavity volume.

7. The single needle sequential injection system of any of claims 4 to 5, wherein the second branch volume is greater than the delivery branch volume.

8. The single needle sequential injection system of any of claims 4 to 5, wherein the first dose of first fluid comprises a first fluid dose volume equal to or greater than the sum of the first branch volume and the delivery branch volume.

9. The single needle sequential injection system of claim 8, wherein the first dose of second fluid comprises a second fluid dose volume equal to or greater than the sum of the second branch volume and the delivery branch volume.

10. The single needle sequential injection system of any of claims 4 to 5, wherein the first dose of the first fluid comprises a first fluid dose volume equal to or greater than the first branch volume, and optionally at least 2 times, at least 4 times, at least 6 times, at least 8 times, or at least 10 times the first branch volume.

11. The single needle sequential injection system of claim 10, wherein the first dose of the second fluid comprises a second fluid dose volume equal to or greater than the second branch volume, and optionally at least 2 times, at least 4 times, at least 6 times, at least 8 times, or at least 10 times the second branch volume.

12. The single needle sequential injection system of any of claims 4 to 5, wherein the first liquid flows into the junction along a first flow axis and the second liquid flows into the junction along a second flow axis, wherein the first flow axis and the second flow axis intersect in the junction to form an angle of less than 90 degrees, 80 degrees or less, 70 degrees or less, 60 degrees or less, or 50 degrees or less.

13. The single needle sequential injection system of any of claims 1 to 5, wherein the first flow restrictor comprises a check valve, and optionally wherein the second flow restrictor comprises a check valve.

14. The single needle sequential injection system of any of claims 1 to 5, wherein the first liquid delivery actuator comprises a first piston pump, and wherein the first liquid delivery device comprises a first piston driver configured to drive a piston of the first piston pump, wherein driving the piston of the first piston pump delivers the first liquid from a piston chamber of the first piston pump to the first inlet port at a first liquid pressure, and optionally wherein the second liquid delivery actuator comprises a second piston pump, and wherein the second liquid delivery device comprises a second piston driver configured to drive a piston of the second piston pump, wherein driving the piston of the second piston pump delivers the second liquid from the piston chamber of the second piston pump to the second inlet port at a second liquid pressure.

15. The single needle sequential injection system of claim 14, wherein the first piston driver is driven using a first pneumatic source and the second piston driver is driven using a second pneumatic source, wherein the pressure of the first pneumatic source is independent of the pressure of the second pneumatic source.

16. A single needle sequential injection system according to any of claims 1 to 5, wherein the first liquid delivery device comprises a first liquid source and the second liquid delivery device comprises a second liquid source, wherein optionally the first liquid and the second liquid have at least one of the following different properties: the first liquid is immiscible in the second liquid at 20 degrees celsius and atmospheric pressure of 1013 mbar; the first liquid has a higher viscosity than the second liquid; the density of the first liquid is less than the density of the second liquid; a majority by volume of the first liquid comprises mineral oil and a majority by volume of the second liquid comprises water.

17. A single needle sequential injection system, comprising:

a controller including first and second liquid delivery actuator controller units operably connected to the first and second liquid delivery actuators, respectively, the first and second liquid delivery actuator controller units working sequentially to operate the first and second liquid delivery actuators, respectively.

18. The single needle sequential injection system of claim 17, wherein the first dose of the first fluid comprises a first dose volume equal to or greater than a needle lumen volume, wherein the needle lumen volume is a volume of a lumen in the needle measured from an interface of the outlet port with the lumen to a needle opening distal to the outlet port.

19. The single needle sequential injection system of claim 17, wherein the first dose of the first fluid comprises a first dose volume equal to or greater than 2,4, 6, 8, or even 10 times a volume of a needle lumen, wherein the needle lumen volume is a volume of the lumen in the needle measured from the junction of the outlet port and the lumen to the needle opening distal to the outlet port.

20. The single needle sequential injection system of claim 17, wherein the delivery chamber comprises a first branch, a second branch, and a delivery branch, wherein the first branch, the second branch, and the delivery branch meet at a junction, wherein the first branch extends from the first branch port to the junction, the second branch extends from the second branch port to the junction, the delivery branch extends from the junction to the outlet port, the first branch comprises a first branch volume, the second branch comprises a second branch volume, the delivery branch comprises a delivery branch volume, and the lumen in the needle comprises a needle cavity volume measured from the junction of the outlet port and the lumen to the needle opening distal from the outlet port.

21. The single needle sequential injection system of claim 20, wherein the first branch volume is greater than the delivery branch volume.

22. The single needle sequential injection system of any of claims 20 to 21, wherein the first branch volume is greater than the sum of the delivery branch volume and the syringe cavity volume.

23. The single needle sequential injection system of any of claims 20 to 21, wherein the second branch volume is greater than the delivery branch volume.

24. The single needle sequential injection system of any of claims 20 to 21, wherein the first dose of the first fluid comprises a first fluid dose volume equal to or greater than a sum of the first branch volume and the delivery branch volume.

25. The single needle sequential injection system of claim 24, wherein the first dose of second fluid comprises a second fluid dose volume equal to or greater than the sum of the second branch volume and the delivery branch volume.

26. The single needle sequential injection system of any of claims 20 to 21, wherein the first dose of the first fluid comprises a first fluid dose volume equal to or greater than the first branch volume, and optionally at least 2 times, at least 4 times, at least 6 times, at least 8 times, or at least 10 times the first branch volume.

27. The single needle sequential injection system of claim 26, wherein the first dose of the second fluid comprises a second fluid dose volume equal to or greater than the second branch volume, and optionally at least 2 times, at least 4 times, at least 6 times, at least 8 times, or at least 10 times the second branch volume.

28. The single needle sequential injection system of any of claims 20 to 21, wherein the first liquid flows into the junction along a first flow axis and the second liquid flows into the junction along a second flow axis, wherein the first flow axis and the second flow axis intersect in the junction to form an angle of less than 90 degrees, 80 degrees or less, 70 degrees or less, 60 degrees or less, or 50 degrees or less.

29. The single needle sequential injection system of any of claims 17 to 21, wherein the first flow restrictor comprises a check valve, and optionally wherein the second flow restrictor comprises a check valve.

30. The single needle sequential injection system of any of claims 17 to 21, wherein the first liquid delivery actuator comprises a first piston pump, and wherein the first liquid delivery device comprises a first piston driver configured to drive a piston of the first piston pump, wherein driving the piston of the first piston pump delivers the first liquid from a piston chamber of the first piston pump to the first inlet port at a first liquid pressure, and optionally wherein the second liquid delivery actuator comprises a second piston pump, and wherein the second liquid delivery device comprises a second piston driver configured to drive a piston of the second piston pump, wherein driving the piston of the second piston pump delivers the second liquid from the piston chamber of the second piston pump to the second inlet port at a second liquid pressure.

31. The single needle sequential injection system of claim 30, wherein the first piston driver is driven using a first pneumatic source and the second piston driver is driven using a second pneumatic source, wherein the pressure of the first pneumatic source is independent of the pressure of the second pneumatic source.

32. A single needle sequential injection system according to any of claims 17 to 21, wherein the first liquid delivery device comprises a first liquid source and the second liquid delivery device comprises a second liquid source, wherein optionally the first liquid and the second liquid have at least one of the following different properties: the first liquid is immiscible in the second liquid at 20 degrees celsius and atmospheric pressure of 1013 mbar; the first liquid has a higher viscosity than the second liquid; the density of the first liquid is less than the density of the second liquid; a majority by volume of the first liquid comprises mineral oil and a majority by volume of the second liquid comprises water.

33. A single needle sequential injection system, comprising:

34. The single needle sequential injection system of claim 33, wherein the dose of the first liquid comprises a first liquid dose volume equal to or greater than a needle lumen volume, wherein the needle lumen volume is a volume of a lumen in the single lumen needle measured from an interface of the outlet port with the lumen to a needle opening distal to the outlet port.

35. The single needle sequential injection system of claim 33, wherein the dose of the first liquid comprises a first liquid dose volume equal to or greater than 2,4, 6, 8, or even 10 times a needle lumen volume, wherein the needle lumen volume is a volume of a lumen in the single lumen needle measured from an interface of the outlet port with the lumen to a needle opening distal to the outlet port.

36. The single needle sequential injection system of claim 33, wherein the delivery chamber comprises a first branch, a second branch, and a delivery branch, wherein the first branch, the second branch, and the delivery branch meet at a junction, wherein the first branch extends from the first branch port to the junction, the second branch extends from the second branch port to the junction, the delivery branch extends from the junction to the outlet port, wherein the first branch comprises a first branch volume, the second branch comprises a second branch volume, the delivery branch comprises a delivery branch volume, and the lumen in the single lumen needle comprises a needle lumen volume measured from the junction of the outlet port and the lumen to a needle opening distal to the outlet port.

37. The single needle sequential injection system of claim 36, wherein the first branch volume is greater than the delivery branch volume.

38. The single needle sequential injection system of any of claims 36 to 37, wherein the first branch volume is greater than the sum of the delivery branch volume and the needle lumen volume.

39. The single needle sequential injection system of claim 38, wherein the second branch volume is greater than the sum of the delivery branch volume and the needle lumen volume.

40. The single needle sequential injection system of any of claims 36 to 37, wherein the first dose of first fluid comprises a first fluid dose volume equal to or greater than the sum of the first branch volume and the delivery branch volume.

41. The single needle sequential injection system of claim 40, wherein the first dose of second fluid comprises a second fluid dose volume equal to or greater than the sum of the second branch volume and the delivery branch volume.

42. The single needle sequential injection system of any of claims 36 to 37, wherein the first dose of the first fluid comprises a first fluid dose volume equal to or greater than the first branch volume, and optionally at least 2 times, at least 4 times, at least 6 times, at least 8 times, or at least 10 times the first branch volume.

43. The single needle sequential injection system of claim 42, wherein the first dose of the second fluid comprises a second fluid dose volume equal to or greater than the second branch volume, and optionally at least 2 times, at least 4 times, at least 6 times, at least 8 times, or at least 10 times the second branch volume.

44. The single needle sequential injection system of any of claims 36 to 37, wherein the first liquid flows into the junction along a first flow axis and the second liquid flows into the junction along a second flow axis, wherein the first flow axis and the second flow axis intersect in the junction to form an angle of less than 90 degrees, 80 degrees or less, 70 degrees or less, 60 degrees or less, or 50 degrees or less.

45. The single needle sequential injection system of any of claims 33 to 37, wherein the first flow restrictor comprises a check valve and optionally the second flow restrictor comprises a check valve.

46. The single needle sequential injection system of any of claims 33 to 37, wherein the first liquid delivery actuator comprises a first piston pump, and wherein the first liquid delivery device comprises a first piston driver configured to drive a piston of the first piston pump, wherein driving the piston of the first piston pump delivers the first liquid from a piston chamber of the first piston pump to the first inlet port at the first liquid pressure.

47. The single needle sequential injection system of claim 46, wherein the second liquid delivery actuator comprises a second piston pump, and wherein the second liquid delivery device comprises a second piston driver configured to drive a piston of the second piston pump, wherein driving the piston of the second piston pump delivers the second liquid from a piston chamber of the second piston pump to the second inlet port at the second liquid pressure.

48. The single needle sequential injection system of claim 47, wherein the first piston driver is driven using a first pneumatic source and the second piston driver is driven using a second pneumatic source, wherein the pressure of the first pneumatic source is independent of the pressure of the second pneumatic source.

49. A single needle sequential injection system according to any of claims 33 to 37, wherein the first liquid delivery device comprises a first liquid source and the second liquid delivery device comprises a second liquid source, wherein optionally the first liquid and the second liquid have at least one of the following different properties: the first liquid is immiscible in the second liquid at 20 degrees celsius and atmospheric pressure of 1013 mbar; the first liquid has a higher viscosity than the second liquid; the density of the first liquid is less than the density of the second liquid; a majority by volume of the first liquid comprises mineral oil and a majority by volume of the second liquid comprises water.